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Stenting in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke: literature review

Recanalization of acute large artery occlusions is a strong predictor of good outcome. The development of thrombectomy devices resulted in a significant improvement in recanalization rates compared to thrombolytics alone. However, clinical trials and registries with these thrombectomy devices in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) have shown recanalization rates in the range of 40–81%. The last decade has seen the development of nickel titanium self-expandable stents (SES). These stents, in contrast to balloon-mounted stents, allow better navigability and deployment in tortuous vessels and therefore are optimal for the cerebral circulation. SES were initially used for stent-assisted coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms and for treatment of intracranial stenosis. However, a few authors have recently reported feasibility of deployment of SES in AIS. The use of these devices yielded higher recanalization rates compared to traditional thrombectomy devices. Encouraged by these results, retrievable SES systems have been recently used in AIS. These devices offer the advantage of resheathing and retrieving of the stent even after full deployment. Some of these stents can also be detached in case permanent stent placement is needed. Retrievable SES are being used in Europe and currently tested in clinical trials in the United States. We review the recent literature in the use of stents for the treatment of AIS secondary to large vessel occlusion.

In particular, pooled results of the mechanical embolus removal in cerebral ischemia (MERCI) and Multi MERCI Part I trials showed a 63% recanalization rate with the use of the Merci Retriever and adjunctive endovascular treatment (Flint et al., 2007). Good clinical outcomes (Modified Rankin Scale, mRS ≤ 2 at 3 months) were observed in 39% patients with ICA recanalization. The other FDA approved device for mechanical thrombectomy, the Penumbra System, showed an 81% recanalization rate (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction, TIMI 2/3; Penumbra Pivotal Stroke Trial Investigators, 2009). Good clinical outcome (mRS ≤ 2 at 3 months) was seen in 25% of patients. Unfortunately, recanalization rates with these devices are variable and some lesions like carotid terminus or basilar artery occlusions have a poor response to alternative therapies like thrombolytics (IMS Study Investigators, 2004). Furthermore, the Merci Retriever often requires frequent passes to achieve complete recanalization (Smith et al., 2005); while the Penumbra aspiration system generates clot fragments that may embolize distally (Gounis et al., 2010). Newer and better endovascular devices are needed to achieve better outcomes.

Balloon-mounted stents and later on, self-expandable stents (SES), have been used with increased success in large vessel recanalization during acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Moreover, retrievable SES systems like the Solitaire (ev3, Plymouth, MN, USA) and Trevo (Concentric Medical, Mountain View, CA, USA) offer the advantage of stent resheathing even after full deployment and detachment of the stent in cases where permanent stent placement is needed (Solitaire FB). In this review we analyze the evolution of stent technology for treatment of AIS.

Historical Perspective

Phatouros et al. (1999) reported the first endovascular stenting of an acutely occluded basilar artery with excellent angiographic results. In their case report, after failure to recanalize the occluded vessel with intraarterial (IA) thrombolysis and balloon angioplasty, a balloon-mounted stent was successfully deployed resulting in TIMI-3 flow. Gupta et al. (2003) reported a series of 18 patients treated urgently with angioplasty and/or stenting due to impending stroke. Four patients in this series underwent stenting, although only two had acute strokes in diffusion weighted imaging. The overall rate of major periprocedural complications was 50%. Levy et al. (2006a) treated 19 patients with AIS and achieved TIMI 2/3 in 79% of cases. All the patients in this series failed different recanalization approaches, which included angioplasty, IA thrombolysis, and thrombectomy with a snare device. The rate of intracerebral hemorrhage was 5%. All the stents used up to this point are coronary balloon-mounted stents.

Self-Expandable Intracranial Stents

Self-expandable stents were approved for vessel remodeling in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms and intracranial atherosclerotic disease. The Enterprise stent (Cordis Neurovascular, Miami Lakes, FL, USA), the Neuroform system (Stryker, Natick, MA, USA), and the Leo stent (Balt Extrusion, Montmorency, France) are devices introduced for stent-assisted coiling of wide-neck aneurysms. The latter stent is not marketed in the United States. The Wingspan system (Stryker, Natick, MA, USA) was approved for treatment of intracranial atherosclerosis. Both the Neuroform and Wingspan stents have an open-cell design, whereas the Enterprise and Leo stents are closed-cell design (Nogueira et al., 2009b). The closed-cell design allows resheathing of the stent after partial deployment (70% for Enterprise and 90% for Leo; Lubicz et al., 2006; Peluso et al., 2008).

These devices have been used off-label in the treatment of AIS. The concept of flow restoration without clot removal has gained attention as other recanalization approaches that focus their strategy in thrombectomy have failed.

Fitzsimmons and Nelson reported one of the first cases of cerebral revascularization with deployment of a SES (Fitzsimmons et al., 2006). A Neuroform stent was deployed in an occluded left middle cerebral artery after the IA infusion of a glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitor failed to recanalize the vessel. Multiple reports have followed (Table 1), especially from the group lead by Levy et al. (2007a) who have pioneered the use of SES in the treatment of AIS. In 2007 they reported a 100% successful deployment of SES (16 Neuroform and 3 Wingspan stents) in the target occlusion, achieving a thrombolysis-in-cerebral-infarction score (TICI)/TIMI 2/3 recanalization in 79% of lesions. Four patients (22%) had a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤ 3 at 3 months and two patients (11%) suffered symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH).

TABLE 1

Table 1. Larger series with self-expandable stents in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.

We recently reported our experience in the use of SES for treatment of AIS refractory to other recanalization treatments (Linfante et al., 2011). We reviewed our database of stroke patients treated between August 2008 and September 2010. A total of 19 patients with AIS underwent stenting achieving a 95% recanalization rate (Figures 1–3). 42% of patients achieved a mRS ≤ 2. We did not experience any technical complications, however, due to the routine IA administration of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors before stent deployment we encountered a higher rate of sICH (16%). 16 patients in our series received concomitant administration of intravenous (IV) and/or IA tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).

FIGURE 1

Figure 1. Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) of a 53-year-old man who presented with a National Institute of Health Stroke Scale of 20 approximately 2 h after symptom onset. The perfusion map demonstrates a mismatch with increased mean transient time (A) and normal blood volume (B) in the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory.

FIGURE 2

Figure 2. Cerebral angiogram shows a left MCA-M1 occlusion (A), which was successfully recanalized with deployment of a self-expandable stent (B). Intraarterial infusion of tissue plasminogen activator (25 MG) and thrombectomy with the Concentric Merci Retriever failed to recanalize the occlusion. Arrows demonstrate the proximal and distal ends of the stent.

3. Enterprise stents appear to have better navigability than the Wingspan and Neuroform stents, especially in AIS patients who generally have a tortuous anatomy with atherosclerotic changes. Levy et al. (2009) used Enterprise stents in two cases where the Wingspan system could not be advanced due to severe vessel tortuosity. In our experience, Enterprise stents were successfully deployed in two cases where cerebrovasculature tortuosity limited the use of Wingspan (Linfante et al., 2011). Moreover, we were able to deploy an Enterprise stent in a right M1 occlusion through the contralateral left internal carotid artery and across the anterior communicating artery due to occlusion of the proximal right common carotid artery. The Enterprise catheter-based delivery system appears to have improved navigability and ease of deployment as Mocco et al. (2010) reported as well in their cohort of 20 patients with AIS.

In summary, SES like the Enterprise, Neuroform, and Wingspan systems appear to have better navigability, trigger less vasospasm, and side-branch occlusions than balloon-mounted stents (Levy et al., 2006b). Additionally, SES do not require balloon inflation in vessels with an unknown diameter. Unfortunately, SES can only be used in ≥2-mm vessels and chemical thrombolysis may be needed to achieve complete distal recanalization, increasing the risk of sICH.

Drawbacks of Stents in AIS

The use of SES in the AIS has potential drawbacks:

1. Permanent deployment of SES in the setting of AIS requires platelet inhibition to reduce the possibility of in-stent thrombosis. Intra-procedural administration of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors or inhibitors of platelet function in AIS may in turn increase the risk of hemorrhagic transformation. This is particularly worrisome in patient who have already been treated with IV and/or IA thrombolytics (Linfante et al., 2011).

2. Stent placement in AIS is a permanent implant to resolve a temporary occlusion that may be caused by an embolus.

To eliminate these potential pitfalls, retrievable stents, also known as “stentrievers,” were introduced. A stentriever can act as a stent and recanalize the occluded lumen. It can then be retrieved so that it does not become a permanent implant. While retrieved, it can function as thrombectomy device as well.

Retrievable-Thrombectomy Stents

Mayer et al. (2002) reported their experience in the treatment of AIS with a self-expandable basket that had a stent configuration and was used to recanalize a basilar artery. The device, named Neuronet (Guidant, Menlo Park, CA, USA), probably constitutes an earlier version of a retrievable stent. Unfortunately, the device was not commercialized.

In vitro and animal testing with the Enterprise stent showed successful thrombectomy once the stent was resheathed after partial deployment (Wakhloo and Gounis, 2008). Kelly et al. (2008) reported successful recanalization of a right M1 occlusion with an Enterprise stent after failed IA thrombolysis. The stent was deployed for 20 min and then reconstrained and removed. This report is the first account of a SES that was retrieved after achieving recanalization in AIS. Hauck et al. (2009) used the same approach for recanalization of a vertebrobasilar occlusion. A 4.5-mm × 37-mm Enterprise stent was deployed for 18 min and then recaptured achieving a good angiographic result.

The Solitaire revascularization device is a stent based thrombectomy system with a closed-cell design specifically designed to operate as a “retrievable” stent. The device has a dual purpose: temporal intracranial bypass with flow restoration through the occluded arterial segment; and clot retriever after trapping the thrombus into its cells. Current reports with this device come from different European centers since the device is not currently approved in the United States. Castano et al. (2010) reported their experience in the treatment of 20 patients with AIS and large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation. TICI 2b/3 was achieved in 90% of treated vessels and no procedural complications were reported. sICH occurred in 10% of patients and 45% achieved a mRS ≤ 2 at 3 months. The device used in this study is the Solitaire AB stent, initially designed as an aneurysm neck bridging stent. The device was deployed for 1 or 2 min before retrieving it to perform embolectomy. Recanalization required in average 1.4 passes. The successful off-label use of this stent prompted the creation of the Solitaire FR device with minimal modifications from the AB version, and specifically designed for treatment of AIS.

Machi et al. (2011) achieved successful recanalization in 50 out of 56 patients (89%) treated with the Solitaire FR device. Procedure related complications occurred in 9% of patients and 46% achieved a mRS ≤ 2 at discharge. The mean number of passes required per procedure was 2 (1–5 range). The device was positioned across the area of occlusion for 3–7 min and then gently recovered into the guide catheter. Vasospasm during retrieval of the fully deployed stent was a common phenomenon, two patients had asymptomatic SAH and one patient sICH.

Similarly, Roth et al. (2010) treated 22 patients with AIS and achieved TICI 2a/b and 3 flow in 91% of patients. Two sICH occurred and 50% of patients achieved a mRS ≤ 2 at 90 days. Vasospasm after thrombectomy was noticed in three patients and no device-related complications were reported.

Investigators of the rescue, combined, and stand-alone thrombectomy (RECOST) study, achieved TICI 3 flow in 84% of patients with AIS treated with the Solitaire FR/AB device (Costalat et al., 2011). The aim of this study was to evaluate and appraise the timing, safety and efficacy of an integrated stroke management protocol. At 3 months, 54% of patients achieved a mRS ≤ 2 and 2% had sICH. The device was deployed for 2–7 min in the target occlusion before thrombectomy.

The Trevo System is a non-deployable stent-like device currently being used in Europe and Canada. The soft body of the device allows easy navigation through tortuous vessels and its distal closed-end is intended to prevent vessel perforation. The device can be used in vessels ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 mm in diameter. The orientation of the stent struts has the broader portion of the struts facing the vessel lumen in order to optimized thrombus incorporation, opposite to the design of stents used to treat intracranial aneurysms of intracranial atherosclerosis (Nogueira et al., 2011).

These results appear promising as the devices continue to evolve, become more operator friendly and patient outcomes improve. Three studies are underway in the United States and Europe to test retrievable stents in the treatment of AIS. The Solitaire FR with the Intention for Thrombectomy (SWIFT) study which is ongoing (recruitment completed) and will compare Solitaire FR with the Merci retriever in 200 patients. The Trial and Cost Effectiveness Evaluation of IA Thrombectomy in AIS (THRACE) study will compare IV thrombolysis with thrombectomy procedures using the Merci retriever, Penumbra system, Catch device (Balt Extrusion, Montmorency, France), and the Solitaire FB stent in 480 patients. The Thrombectomy Revascularization of Large Vessel Occlusions (TREVO 2) study was recently started in the United States and will compare the Trevo system versus the Merci retriever in the treatment of AIS. Approximately 178 patients would be enrolled in the study.

Technical Benefits and Limitations of Stenting in AIS

Deployment of the stent at the occlusion site with flow restoration to the area at risk may increase tissue savage. Experimental research in animal models has shown that intermittent restoration of flow to the infarct area can reduce the final infarct size (Zhao, 2009). The stent bypasses the area of occlusion restoring flow to more distal branches.

Once the stent is open, the clot gets trapped between the stent and the vessel wall. This is an important concept and differs from conventional thrombectomy approaches aimed to extract the clot. This latter strategy is more laborious and time consuming, delaying recanalization. Once the stent expands through the occlusion, thrombus material may be pushed into perforating arteries. This phenomenon described as “snow-plowing,” (Levy and Chaturvedi, 2006) may explain strokes in perforator territories once the main artery has been recanalized and may be one of the drawbacks of this technique.

A technical aspect of thrombectomy with the retrievable stents is the deployment time. It is advised to unsheathe the device for at least 2 min to allow full expansion of the nitinol struts through the thrombus, this facilitates clot entrapment and later on thrombectomy. Deployment times have varied between 1 and 7 min among different studies (Castano et al., 2010; Costalat et al., 2011; Machi et al., 2011).

Withdrawing an unfolded stent to perform thrombectomy increases the risk of intimal injury to the vessel wall. Preliminary animal studies with the Solitaire device in swine were remarkable for vasospasm which resolved without sequelae (Jahan, 2010). Microscopic examination of the vessels were the device was deployed showed mild intimal thickening leading to 1–5% narrowing, which was not visualized in angiography. Vasospasm and SAH have been described in clinical studies after thrombectomy with the Solitaire device (Roth et al., 2010; Machi et al., 2011). Histopathological analysis of swine external carotid branches after thrombectomy with the Trevo stent, showed severe disruption of the intimae but there was no hemorrhage nor evidence of transmural dissection (Nogueira et al., 2011).

A theoretical advantage of retrievable stents over other conventional thrombectomy devices is that “stentrievers” gradually expand as they are pulled proximally into the guide catheter. Indeed, the inherent radial force of the stentriever theoretically traps the clot against the vessel wall during thrombectomy. This may prevent the retrieved thrombi from dislodging from the stentriever and embolizing distally (Nogueira et al., 2011).

If a suboptimal angiographic result is achieved after thrombectomy, the Solitaire device can be reposition and permanently deployed as an stent (AB version). The system allows detachment of the stent-like a coil. This application may be useful in recanalization of atherothrombotic lesions or if the stent cannot be recaptured.

Conclusion

Stents initially conceived for aneurysm remodeling (Enterprise and Neuroform stents) and treatment of intracranial atherosclerosis (Wingspan stent) have paved the way for new therapeutic approaches in AIS (Figure 4). SES are easier to deliver than balloon-mounted stents and are thought to carry a lower risk of vascular injury (Chiam et al., 2008; Samaniego et al., 2009). However, these devices usually require loading doses of antiplatelet medications before permanent stent deployment. Moreover, dual antiplatelet therapy is continued for at least the initial 3 months after the procedure. This raises safety concerns in patients who have received IV or IA thrombolytics. In our experience, routine administration of IA GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors before stent deployment despite previous IV and/or IA tPA administration carries a higher risk of sICH (Linfante et al., 2011).

FIGURE 4

Figure 4. Rapid evolvement of stroke therapies during the last 20 years.

Retrievable stents appear to ease this technical issue, once deployed they bypass the area of occlusion providing flow to the ischemic area at risk. The operator may then recapture the stent or perform a thrombectomy with the stent unsheathed. However, complications like vasospasm and intimal injury with vessel rupture have been reported with this approach.

In summary, deployment of SES in AIS may be a safe alternative for recanalization of large intracranial vessels in patients in whom other current available devices failed. Newer stent-based technologies like retrievable stents may add even more tools to the treatment of AIS.

Conflict of Interest Statement

Dr. Linfante is a consultant for Codman Neurovascular and Concentric Medical. Dr. Dabus is consultant for Codman Neurovascular and shareholder for Surpass Medical. Dr. Samaniego and Dabus do not report any conflict of interest.